Celebrity Cruises vs MSC Cruises

Why should we cruise with Celebrity?

We asked Celebrity why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Set sail on the vacation of a lifetime aboard one of Celebrity's award-winning cruise and river ships. The luxurious fleet merges cutting-edge technology with welcoming interiors and revolutionary venues. Discover the unrivaled luxury of The Retreat®. Experience visionary spaces, like the Magic Carpet®, that are like nothing you’ve seen before. On Celebrity's ships, you’ll cruise the world's oceans and Europe's rivers while enjoying the height of style, comfort, and service throughout your journey.

What destinations are Celebrity exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on Celebrity from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

Celebrity Cruises is a premium “modern luxury” cruise line, and more recently a river cruise line as well. Known for their stylish design, and relaxed upscale atmosphere as well as their standout newer ships like the Edge Series and their new launched river ships. Compared with mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean and NCL, Celebrity generally feels more like a contemporary resort at sea - ideal for couples and travellers who value dining, comfort and refined service over high-energy attractions. For travellers seeking luxury, The Retreat, onboard their ocean ships, offer exclusive lounge access and elevated suite-level benefits, while “All read more Included” pricing bundles drinks and Wi-Fi for better value.

Who cruises with Celebrity?

Primarily couples and solo travellers, including food and wine connoisseurs and travellers who enjoy modern luxury settings.

What are Celebrity known for?

A half-acre real lawn at sea, Michelin-starred chef-curated dining, a large wine collection and the Magic Carpet on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex.

Are Celebrity's fares all-inclusive?

No. Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi which is a common addtion to the base fare.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Specialty dining, alcoholic and some other beverages, shore excursions, room service charges after 11pm, WiFi packages and some onboard activities require additional payment.

Are gratuities included?

Gratuities are included for Australian and New Zealand passengers. They are not included for North American passengers.

Are shore excursions included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. Charges apply unless Celebrity's Drinks & WiFi All Included Package is selected

Does Celebrity have a loyalty program?

Yes. Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Azamara offer reciprocal benefits to members enrolled in their loyalty programs.

Is Celebrity a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. Children are accepted from 6 months, or 12 months on select cruises, with dedicated programs and facilities available. Expedition ships have some service limitations.

Are any onboard activities included?

Enrichment programs such as guest lectures and some onboard classes, with art and technology classes available on select ships. Most onboard activities and entertainment are included.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes, except on Celebrity Flora

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes. Charges apply for activities such as glassblowing and mixology classes; some specialised training programs and occasional special entertainment may also cost extra.

Are there specialty restaurants on board Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Specialty restaurants are available and charges apply.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Yes. Juice, water, tea and coffee are available at stations across the ship, with select soft drinks at meals.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No except on Celebrity's expedition cruises onboard Celebrity Flora.

Do Celebrity sell any beverage packages?

Yes, Celebrity Cruises have pre-packaged their most popular amenities - Drinks and Wi-Fi - one price, all included.

Do Celebrity offer room service?

Yes. Available 24/7, with a late-night fee applying.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. Spa and salon services are available and charges apply. Celebrity Flora offers smaller spa facilities.

Are there gyms onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes.

Are fitness classes available onboard Celebrity's ships?

Yes. Group fitness classes are included complimentary, although some specialised training programs may incur additional charges.

Do Celebrity offer personal training?

Yes. Charges apply. Not avaialble on Celebrity Flora

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do Celebrity offer a laundry service?

Yes. Charges apply.

Why should we cruise with MSC?

We asked MSC why you should cruise with them, here's what they said...

Our cruises are designed to enrich, delight and create unforgettable emotions that only the sea can create. We offer an enriching, immersive and safe cruise experience, where you can enjoy international dining, world-class entertainment, award-winning family programmes and the latest user-friendly technology on board.

What destinations are MSC exploring this season?

Our thoughts...

The low down on MSC from our expert team of advisors at Global Journeys...

MSC Cruises stands out for value, a distinctly European onboard atmosphere, and premium-upgrade options like the MSC Yacht Club. Compared with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival, and premium lines like Celebrity or Princess, MSC often delivers newer-ship experiences at sharper pricing while offering a more international feel - especially in the Mediterranean.

MSC’s private island, Ocean Cay, is positioned as a calmer, nature-forward beach day rather than a thrill-park destination, and the line’s status match makes it easy for loyal cruisers to switch. For travellers asking “is MSC Cruises a good cruise line?”, the answer is yes - particularly read more for clients who want strong value, modern ships, and a cosmopolitan vibe; the key is aligning expectations on dining and onboard style to the specific ship and itinerary.

Who cruises with MSC?

An international mix of couples, families and groups, with a particularly strong European following.

What are MSC known for?

Large contemporary ships, a strong European and international atmosphere, extensive family facilities and entertainment, and the MSC Yacht Club ship-within-a-ship luxury experience.

Are MSC's fares all-inclusive?

No, standard fares include accommodation, main dining and buffet meals, most entertainment, pools, gym access and kids clubs.

What extras will we need to pay for, on top of the cruise fare?

Drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, specialty dining and gratuities cost extra unless included through a fare, package or MSC Yacht Club.

Are gratuities included?

Australian and New Zealand fares include gratuities. For North American's, gratuities (or as MSC refer to them - Hotel Service Charges) are not inclued in your cruise fare, unless you have requested to prepay them.

Are shore excursions included?

No. Shore excursions are an additional cost and can be booked individually or through selected excursion packages.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes. WiFi is available across the fleet for an additional charge, with different internet packages available. Internet is included with MSC Yacht Club and selected loyalty or promotional benefits.

Does MSC have a loyalty program?

Yes. MSC Voyagers Club has Welcome, Classic, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Blue Diamond levels, with benefits including cruise discounts, onboard discounts, events and additional privileges at higher tiers.

Is MSC a family friendly cruise-line?

Yes. MSC is particularly family-friendly, with extensive kids clubs, family accommodation, pools, waterparks and activities designed for children and teenagers.

Are any onboard activities included?

Most theatre shows, pools, selected waterparks, sports facilities, the gym, dance classes, quizzes, games, karaoke, parties and other scheduled entertainment are included. Exact facilities vary considerably between ships.

Are there casinos on board your ships?

Yes. Casinos are available across MSC's ocean-going fleet, with gaming charged to the guest's onboard account.

Are there any onboard activities that cost extra?

Yes, depending on the ship, additional charges can apply for attractions such as bowling, 4D cinema, F1 simulators, zip lines and selected premium entertainment activities.

Are there specialty restaurants on board MSC's ships?

Yes. MSC ships offer specialty restaurants in addition to the included main restaurants and buffet, with venues varying by ship. Specialty dining generally costs extra.

Are there dining packages for purchase?

Yes. Guests can pre-purchase individual specialty dining experiences or packages covering up to four specialty restaurants, depending on the ship.

Are non-alcoholic beverages included?

Only limited beverages are included with standard fares. Complimentary options are generally available in the buffet, while soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and other beverages normally cost extra unless covered by a drinks package or fare inclusion.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are generally additional with standard fares. Drinks may be included with promotional fares, MSC World Cruise dining inclusions or MSC Yacht Club.

Do MSC sell any beverage packages?

Yes. MSC offers Easy, Premium Extra, Alcohol-Free and Minors packages, with availability and inclusions varying by cruise.

Do MSC offer room service?

Yes. Fantastica and Aurea guests receive 24-hour room service with complimentary delivery, although individual food items may still be charged. Bella guests have more limited inclusions and may pay a delivery fee. MSC Yacht Club includes 24-hour room service.

Are spa and salon services available?

Yes. MSC Aurea Spa facilities are available across the fleet, with treatments, thermal areas and salon services generally attracting additional charges.

Are there gyms onboard MSC's ships?

Yes. MSC ships have onboard fitness facilities, with gym access included in the cruise fare.

Are fitness classes available onboard MSC's ships?

Yes. Fitness classes are offered, with some scheduled activities included and selected specialist fitness programmes attracting an additional charge.

Do MSC offer personal training?

Yes. Personal training sessions are available for an additional charge.

Are there self-service laundry facilities?

No.

Do MSC offer a laundry service?

Yes. Paid laundry services and multi-item laundry packages are available.